I actually like it with the synth, although it sounds like that was replaced by the melody Thom plays for the last few verses on the high E string (at Oslo, anyways).

The first place I heard the synth was this guys version, what he calls the "band version." It sounds like he took the Oslo version (because I hear the high E melody) and he added a drum track, some other backing instruments, and also added the synth back. It's decent.

I don't remember which video it was exactly, but right before a performance of the song he said something vaguely like "this song hasn't been played much, and that's a shame.". Basically insinuating he does like the song.